Sending Carol Home

First of all, Carol looks cuter than ever as she sports her fashionable doo, hair growing close to her perfectly shaped head in little curls. She has indeed regressed to childhood as she plans to get her childhood vaccines for her new blood tomorrow. Her apartment is filled with her colorful artwork and cards hanging from the ceiling. The atmosphere is filled with positivity and special care is taken to stay aware and present in all we do, especially playing our favorite new game, Upwords. Who says you can’t teach an old dog new tricks?
Carol and Jaime are packing up, getting ready to drive back to Sarasota tomorrow, after 97 days post transplant! Today marks the end of this period in Tampa as the healing continues back home. Each day I’ve been here brought Carol closer to resuming normal life. It’s been a gift to be Carol’s caregiver for 5 days and join in her incredible spirit and gratitude for life, family and friends and last but not least, good nutritious food. It was a milestone when Carol’s port was finally removed from her chest so that she could be unencumbered by apparatus. Today she got the green light from her doctor to resume her beloved rowing and other activities. She still awaits the final results of her biopsy but doesn’t have to return to Moffitt until next Monday.
Much of our time together felt like a wonderful relaxed vacation. Each day was a new adventure in cooking and good, healthy eating. I leave with a wealth of information about new ingredients and delicious recipes. We enjoyed new cultural experiences including the Cuban exhibit at USF, the historic Tampa Theatre which featured the iconic movie, Making of the Boys in the Band, and the best of all, the Dali Museum in St. Petersburg. This was a surprising introduction to the wealth of Dali’s hallucinogenic imagination which delighted both of us. Each day when Carol was permitted to exercise we took our power walks and the grand finale included yoga together today.
Jaime and Daniel arrived today to complete the transition back home. I feel lucky to have reconnected with all of the Grays. But the greatest gift of all was to share this closeness with Carol and be part of her journey home. I dearly love her.
Cousin Freddie